Hotel Picnic sits 1,223 metres (1.2 km) from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately a 15-minute walk or a short 5–7 minute auto-rickshaw ride. The hotel holds a rating of 3.7★ from 1,753 guests on Google Maps, placing it in the average range among Velankanni’s accommodation options.
Location
Hotel Picnic is on Main Road, Velankanni’s central approach road, at 1.2 km from the basilica. For pilgrims who prefer not to walk, an auto-rickshaw from the hotel to the shrine takes roughly 5 to 7 minutes and typically costs ₹30–50. The hotel provides secure on-site car parking - a practical advantage for families and groups travelling in their own vehicle, particularly during the September feast and Christmas seasons when street parking near the basilica becomes difficult. The full address is Main Rd, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111.
Rooms and Amenities
Hotel Picnic is a budget property offering simple air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. An in-house restaurant and coffee shop serve guests on the premises, removing the need to find meals outside after long hours at the shrine. Rooms are described as spacious by several guests.
Pilgrims should be aware of maintenance concerns raised in recent reviews. The air conditioning in some rooms has been reported as old and insufficiently cooling. Wi-Fi connectivity, while listed as a feature, has been described as very poor in practice. Bathroom hygiene has drawn complaints including stained tiles. Unscreened ventilation windows in bathrooms have allowed mosquitoes in, and at least one guest reported cockroaches in the room. Bed linen quality has also been flagged.
The hotel is noted as family-friendly and suitable for guests travelling with children.
Wheelchair accessibility information is not available for this property - all relevant fields are unlisted. Elderly pilgrims or those with mobility needs should contact the hotel directly before booking to confirm suitability.
What Guests Say
Guest feedback at Hotel Picnic is mixed. The overall Google Maps rating is 3.7★, but the recent review average sits at 2.7★, indicating a declining trend in recent months.
On the positive side, location is consistently praised. Albert Joms (5★, 4 months ago) writes: “The location is excellent, very close to all the main attractions and easy to reach. The staff were extremely friendly, polite, and supportive throughout our visit. Rooms were clean, spacious, and well-maintained.”
More recent reviews, however, raise concerns. Joe Joseph Babu (2★, 7 months ago) paid ₹2,485 for four people and found the stay “far below expectations” - citing an old AC that barely cooled, effectively no Wi-Fi connectivity despite it being listed, and an unclean bathroom with “stained tiles/fixtures, poor hygiene.” He adds: “Would I recommend? Only if price is significantly lower and expectations are modest.” Philip Alphanso (3★, 7 months ago) reported cockroaches in room 248 and mosquitoes entering through unscreened bathroom windows, noting: “Had stayed here in 1997 when the place was clean.”
A significant concern for families comes from Rio Fernandes (1★, 1 month ago), who encountered a serious miscommunication between reception staff about extending his family’s stay. After receiving verbal confirmation from two different receptionists that the extension was approved, his family received a checkout call mid-pilgrimage the following day. He writes: “As pilgrims visiting with family, the last thing we expected was confusion and stress regarding accommodation after receiving confirmation from the hotel staff themselves.” Pjaikumar123 Jai (3★, 1 month ago) noted unequal treatment at check-in and slow response to basic in-room requests.
The recurring positives - convenient location and on-site parking - remain genuine strengths. The recurring concerns centre on inconsistent front-desk communication and maintenance that has not kept pace with current pricing.
Contact and Booking
Phone: 098429 63510 Website: vailankannihotels.com Address: Main Rd, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
The hotel is listed on major online travel platforms. Pilgrims are advised to confirm room condition, AC functionality, and check-in/check-out policies directly with the hotel before arrival - especially during peak seasons. If extending a stay, obtain written or clearly documented confirmation from reception staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hotel Picnic from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? Hotel Picnic is 1,223 metres (1.2 km) from the basilica - roughly a 15-minute walk along Main Road, or a 5–7 minute auto-rickshaw ride.
Does Hotel Picnic have parking? Yes. The hotel has secure on-site car parking, which is useful for families arriving by their own vehicle, particularly during busy feast and novena seasons.
Is Hotel Picnic family-friendly? The hotel is listed as suitable for families with children. Rooms are spacious and the in-house restaurant is convenient. Families should factor in recent guest reports of maintenance and pest issues when deciding.
What is the room rate at Hotel Picnic? A recent guest paid ₹2,485 for four people for one night during the off-peak season. Rates are likely to be higher during the September feast, Christmas, and major novena periods. Confirm current rates directly with the hotel or via online booking platforms.
Is there a restaurant at Hotel Picnic? Yes. The property has both a restaurant and a coffee shop, so pilgrims can eat on-site without going out - helpful after a full day at the shrine.
Plan Your Visit
For Holy Mass schedules at the shrine, check current timings before your visit: Mass timings at the basilica
For a full list of accommodation options across Velankanni: All hotels in Velankanni
